Guides
Special education guides
Plain-language walkthroughs of common special education questions. These guides are national companions. Special Ed Network builds depth state by state, starting with Texas, so some pages point you to Texas-specific resources when they exist.
In this library
- Accommodations vs modifications One changes how a student learns or shows learning. The other changes what the student is expected to learn.
- Child Find / early childhood overview The duty of states and schools to locate, identify, and evaluate children who may need special education, including young children.
- What is an FBA / BIP? Tools schools use to understand why a behavior happens and what supports will help.
- What to bring to an IEP meeting A short prep kit of documents, questions, and priorities so you can participate as a team member.
- IEP vs 504: a plain comparison Both support students with disabilities, but they come from different laws.
- LRE / inclusion basics Least Restrictive Environment is a continuum of placements, not a single classroom label.
- How to read procedural safeguards Navigate the rights notice your school must provide without drowning in it.
- Related services overview What related services are for under IDEA and what to clarify in meetings.
- How to request an evaluation A dated written request creates a clear record and starts the school's duty to respond.
- Transition planning overview Preparing secondary students with IEPs for life after high school.
Coming next
- How to read an evaluation report
- How to write and check a measurable goal
- How to organize your records folder
Texas families
Texas uses its own terms and timelines for many of these processes. Start with the Texas hub for ARD meetings, Prior Written Notice, evaluations, and discipline overviews, then come back here for the national picture.
Official sources
Reminder: these guides are general educational information, not legal or medical advice. Confirm current rules with your state education agency and district.